The Boston comedy scene has lost one of its most consistently bright and shining talents, as local standout Brian Higginbottom has died.
No immediate cause was announced following the news this weekend, But word of the local stand-up favorite’s passing spread quickly on social media, prompting a multitude of tributes, reflections and condolences to the Hyde Park native and longtime scene staple.
“R.I.P. to my guy Brian Higginbottom. He was the nicest kid and was one of my biggest supporters. This been weighing on me all day. Just a genuine good dude,” Jason Cordova wrote on Facebook. Ray Harrington shared: “I didn’t get the chance to know him more, but every time I saw him, he was kind and genuine. So sad to hear of his passing. Brian Higginbottom had struggles, he was also a good dude who brought more to the stage than he took away. My heart is with his family and friends in comedy. I‘ve written and deleted and written an attempt at sharing my sadness, but also my appreciation for knowing him. RIP.”
In addition to his years of working in comedy clubs around the city both on and off stage, Higginbottom started a weekly showcase at McGreevy’s on Boylston Street, which led to him being widely regarded as a potent comedic talent and a widely-sought addition to lineups on any given night and in rooms all over the area. Additionally, his work in the scene and the immense support he showed for his comedy peers when he wasn’t behind the mic himself helped him become known as one of the “good guys” that people gravitated towards as a result of his gleaming smile and even brighter streak of positivity and enthusiasm.
“I’m grateful now that we got to spend the time together that we did, because I know I’m never going to meet another Brian Higginbottom again. He was a totally and completely original person, and forever a legend,” Alex Giampapa wrote in a Facebook tribute of his own. “I hope the other people in his life know that Brian was not just a great comedian, but more: admired, respected and beloved by a large community of people. RIP Higgi — I hope I’ll get to see you again someday, even if it’s just watching from the back of the room.”
Fellow comedian and friend Eric Taylor announced that there will be an event held in the future to celebrate the life and legacy of Higginbottom, but no details have yet been made available. We’ll update this post as word becomes public.